Winston Mano delivers keynote at UNESCO’s 20th Anniversary convention in Beijing to celebrate cultural diversity

Prof. Winston Mano was a keynote speaker at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention held in Beijing at the Communication University of China (CUC) from 22-23 September 2025. Titled “Protecting and Promoting The Diversity of Cultural Expressions: Practice and Future,” this UNESCO-endorsed event was a reminder of the global shared commitment to protecting and promoting cultural diversity for the future of humanity. In a keynote session moderated by Professor Zhang Yanqiu, Mano’s discussed African and Chinese epistemes as resources for collaborative communicative action.

The gathering took place during the annual International Think Tank Forum in Beijing (22–24 September 2025), which brought together scholars and practitioners from around the world. It was an inspiring opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen global collaboration.

The forum also marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, commemorated with the launch of a new book and edited by published by the Think Tank Li Hualiang, Zhang Yanqiu, Sixin, Sun Yuhong and Zhang Suqiu. Entitled “The UN at 80 Forging a Global Community with a Shared Future”, the book is a testament to the enduring relevance of multilateral dialogue as it is a multinational effort. Professor Yi Yang, Vice Chancellor of CUC, made insightful opening remarks about the importance of global dialougue, and Professor Li Huailiang, Dean of the Institute for a Community with Shared Future, thanked the international delegates, including from the North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.